Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective endorses Keel

By Harold G. Moss, Keith Blocker, Co-Chairs, Political Strategies Committee

The Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective is a forty three year old community service organization. We have given our sole endorsement to Kent D. Keel for University Place City Council.

No matter the winner November 8, 2011, the city of University Place will elect their first African-American council member.  This will be a welcomed demographic to their city council. Both candidates are active members of the Collective and very familiar to us. Both sought our endorsement. Understanding the historic significance of the outcome, the Collective was keenly aware that an exceptional review of the candidates was called for. After carefully examination the body voted to endorse Mr. Keel.

Kent Keel has been elected three consecutive times to the University Place School Board.  The students in that district continue to outperform
other students in the state.  Of particular note to us is the greatly improved performance of its black students.  Because of his 10 years serving
on the UP school board, we have no doubt Kent has played a key role in the districts success. We noted that, while other government agencies are in
financial crisis, UP schools is purchasing land for future school needs. We considered his elected service and credentials, for the council, and judged
them to be superior to his opponent.